A multiple-vehicle accident occurred in the town of Carrollton in late January. Cattaraugus County K-9 Deputy Sheriff Robert Rinfrette was investigating an accident when his parked patrol vehicle was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer.
Rinfrette had sustained significant injuries and his dog, K-9 Bryson, who was in the patrol vehicle when the accident occurred, sustained serious injury and later had to be put to sleep.
K-9 Bryson was a six-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office trained by Rinfrette. He specialized in drug, bomb and materials in causing arson detection. He was a german shephard, who accompanied Rinfrette to area schools and youth community events.
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From left, Undersheriff William Nichols, K-9 Deputy Robert Rinfrette and Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb.
"He was a tremendous asset to this agency and will always be remembered for his accomplishments,'' Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb stated.
A memorial has been dedicated and placed in front of the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office main entrance in memory of K-9 Bryson, who was killed in the line of duty.
Deputy Rinfrette is also the handler for K-9 Gibbs, a Black Labrador, who is utilized for narcotic detection. Sheriff Whitcomb is also pleased to announce the new recruits, Hammer and Holly to the K-9 training program.